We feel it virtually every week- the strong or sometimes subtle feeling of air rushing against us- wind energy. Wind energy is so prospective in part due to its far less greenhouse-gas emission properties as compared to fossil fuels. Wind energy is classified as renewable, under the condition that there is wind and that one day all wind and air currents cease to exist. While many argue for more windmills and turbines, it is important to note that wind energy is less efficient than coal or natural gas, in part due to the the irregularity of wind’s nature. A Purdue University study that models increased wind production in 10 states shows significant economic impact in those states, as well as billions of dollars spread over the rest of the country. This study stated thatwind power in the top 10 wind-producing states would create billions of dollars of economic impact. States that add wind power would see about $24 billion in activity, while other states would see $3 billion in spillover economic activity. This amount of money and economic activity is worth looking at, especially as a potential for future investors at home and abroad. A fun fact is that the U.S. currently has more than 100,000 MW of operating wind capacity, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Thus, adding 500 MW in 10 states would be only a 5% increase but would have significant economic benefits. Coal and other fossil fuels are much cheaper, but are nonrenewable…making a case for a bigger future for wind energy in the United States and around the world…We’ll just have to see!

Works Cited:
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2020/Q2/analysis-wind-energy-expansion-would-have-27-billion-economic-impact.html